Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is an MHRA-licensed prescription medicine for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Understanding OnlineMeds Wegovy cost is essential for patients considering this treatment, as it represents a significant financial commitment. Private prescriptions typically range from £150 to £300 monthly, with additional consultation fees and ongoing monitoring costs. NHS access remains highly restricted under NICE guidance (TA875), limited to specialist weight management services for eligible patients. This article examines the cost implications of Wegovy through NHS and private routes, including OnlineMeds pricing structures, to help patients make informed decisions about this long-term weight management treatment.

Wegovy Cost in the UK: What to Expect

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only medicine licensed by the MHRA for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Understanding the cost implications is essential for patients considering this treatment, as it represents a significant financial commitment whether accessed through the NHS or privately.

The typical cost of Wegovy in the UK varies considerably depending on the route of access. Private prescriptions generally range from £150 to £300 per month, though prices fluctuate based on the pharmacy, dosage phase, and any additional consultation fees. This monthly cost reflects the ongoing nature of treatment, as Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and requires continuous use to maintain weight loss benefits.

Patients should anticipate a dose escalation schedule spanning approximately 16–20 weeks, starting at 0.25 mg weekly and gradually increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, as outlined in the MHRA/EMC Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Each dose strength may be priced differently, with lower starter doses sometimes costing less than the full maintenance dose. Additionally, treatment costs extend beyond the medication itself—patients must factor in initial consultations, follow-up appointments, blood tests, and ongoing clinical monitoring.

It is important to recognise that Wegovy is intended as part of a comprehensive weight management programme including dietary modification and increased physical activity. The Wegovy SmPC states that semaglutide should only be prescribed by healthcare professionals experienced in weight management. Patients should discuss the full financial commitment with their prescriber before commencing treatment, ensuring they can sustain the medication for the appropriate duration. NICE guidance (TA875) recommends that NHS-funded treatment should be provided only within specialist weight management services and for a maximum of 2 years.

NHS vs Private Prescription Costs for Wegovy

Access to Wegovy through the NHS is currently highly restricted due to limited availability and strict eligibility criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). NICE guidance TA875 recommends semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight management only in specialist NHS weight management services for up to 2 years, and only for adults with at least one weight-related comorbidity and a BMI of ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥32.5 kg/m² for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family backgrounds).

When available through the NHS, patients in England may pay the standard prescription charge of £9.90 per item, though many patients qualify for exemptions or may benefit from a Prescription Prepayment Certificate if multiple medications are needed. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The method of supply (hospital, homecare, or community pharmacy) may affect whether charges apply. Due to supply constraints and the specialist service requirement, most patients cannot currently access Wegovy via NHS prescription. Even where eligibility criteria are met, waiting lists for specialist weight management services (Tier 3/4) can extend many months, and not all NHS trusts have commissioned the service.

Private prescription costs offer more immediate access but at considerably higher expense. Private patients can expect to pay between £150–£300 monthly for the medication itself, plus consultation fees ranging from £50–£150 for initial assessment and £30–£100 for follow-up appointments. Some private providers offer package deals or subscription models that bundle consultations with medication supply.

The cumulative cost difference is substantial: NHS patients meeting eligibility criteria might pay considerably less than private patients, who face costs of £2,000–£4,000 per year or more. Patients should check their eligibility for NHS provision and local referral pathways with their GP before pursuing private options, and consider whether they can sustain private treatment costs for the clinically appropriate duration, as discontinuation typically results in weight regain.

OnlineMeds Wegovy Pricing and Service Options

OnlineMeds is a registered online pharmacy and telehealth service providing private prescriptions for weight management medications including Wegovy. Their service model combines remote clinical consultations with home delivery of prescribed medications for patients unable to access NHS provision or seeking private care pathways.

The OnlineMeds pricing structure typically includes several components: an initial online consultation fee (usually £40–£60), the cost of the medication itself (varying by dose strength and supply duration), and delivery charges (often free for orders above a certain threshold). Monthly medication costs through OnlineMeds generally align with the broader private market range of £150–£300, though specific pricing should be confirmed directly with the service as costs may vary based on current supply.

OnlineMeds offers service options including one-off purchases or subscription models. The platform facilitates ongoing monitoring through follow-up assessments and provides access to prescribers for dose adjustments or management of side effects. Clinical review is typically required at each dose increase during the titration phase, with ongoing monitoring thereafter at clinically appropriate intervals.

Patients using OnlineMeds must complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber (doctor or independent prescriber). This assessment evaluates eligibility based on BMI, weight-related comorbidities, previous weight loss attempts, and contraindications. Not all applicants will be deemed suitable for treatment. The service requires patients to commit to lifestyle modifications and attend regular monitoring, which may include weight tracking and reporting of adverse effects.

It is essential to verify that OnlineMeds, or any online pharmacy, is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), displays the MHRA distance selling logo, and that the prescribing service is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Prescribers should be registered with the appropriate UK regulatory body (GMC for doctors, NMC for nurse prescribers). Patients should report any suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk) and be cautious of services offering Wegovy without proper medical assessment.

Factors That Affect Wegovy Treatment Costs

Multiple variables influence the overall cost of Wegovy treatment, extending beyond the base medication price. Understanding these factors helps patients budget appropriately and make informed decisions about their weight management journey.

Dose escalation and maintenance phase: Wegovy treatment begins with a gradual dose increase over 16–20 weeks (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, then 2.4 mg weekly). Some suppliers price lower starter doses differently from the maintenance dose, affecting monthly costs during the titration period. Once established on the 2.4 mg maintenance dose, costs typically stabilise but remain ongoing for as long as treatment continues. According to the Wegovy SmPC, discontinuation should be considered if patients do not achieve at least 5% weight loss after 6 months at the maintenance dose.

Consultation and monitoring requirements: Initial assessments with private prescribers cost £50–£150, whilst follow-up consultations range from £30–£100. More frequent reviews are typically needed during dose escalation, often at each titration step. Some services bundle consultations into subscription packages. Additionally, blood tests may be recommended based on individual clinical factors, comorbidities and baseline risk assessment, and may incur separate costs if not covered by NHS GP services.

Supply chain and availability: Wegovy has experienced significant supply constraints in the UK since its launch, with manufacturer Novo Nordisk implementing controlled distribution. Periods of shortage can affect pricing and availability across all suppliers. Patients may face delays in accessing certain dose strengths or need to switch between suppliers, potentially incurring additional consultation fees.

Treatment duration and response: For NHS-funded treatment, NICE guidance (TA875) limits provision to a maximum of 2 years within specialist services. Private treatment duration depends on clinical response and individual goals. Many patients require 12–24 months or longer to achieve their weight targets, and ongoing treatment is typically needed to maintain weight loss. The cumulative cost over 1–2 years can reach £3,000–£6,000 or more privately.

Additional supplies: Patients need sharps disposal containers for used injection pens (often provided free by pharmacies or local councils) and may wish to purchase additional support such as dietary consultations or fitness programmes to optimise outcomes. These ancillary costs should be factored into the overall treatment budget.

Frequently Asked Questions